Beginner's Questions

CaptainClick · Jun 26, 2012

Why I want to start photography: I always see things that amaze me that other people don't notice or take for granted. My favourites are when I'm sitting waiting on someone, the people passing or sitting near by all give a single moment that's a story into their lives.Anyway I'm wanting to start photography but I'm a student and my budget isn't the biggest. Maybe about £150 ($250). I'm guessing I'll start on a P&S, preferably one with manual settings for later. Any recommendations?

Trever1t · Jun 26, 2012

you could look for a good used but older DSLR for just a little more than that.

Solarflare · Jun 27, 2012

In the Pentax Forum people brag that old Pentax DSLRs are really cheap.

(Could be inside this budget. eBay right now has Nikon D60s at 250$ but theres no lens with them)

Like_Breathing · Jun 27, 2012

When I was looking for a compact camera I opted for a Fujifilm. You can get some good shots out of most compacts these days. Remember to budget for a memory card and spare battery.

gryffinwings · Jun 27, 2012

You can find older Nikons for around that, you just have to wait for the right deal, which is what I recommend, you will have to work within limits of the camera, but this should be better than a P&S.

gryffinwings · Jun 27, 2012

Nikon D100s are going for pretty cheap, although it is old. You can get one really cheap for under 200 I think, that is if your willing to go that old.If you don't want a camera that old then I recommend saving up, because your not going to be satisfied with a p&s for very long.

CaptainClick · Jun 27, 2012

Thanks for the advice. I think I'm just going to jump straight to an old dslr. Probably the Canon 20d or the Nikon D40. I'll probably order tomorrow but if anyone has any major faults of either of them please post. I'll be sticking with the stock lens for quite a while due to my budget if that's any help.

lonewolfsx · Jun 28, 2012

I agree with the suggestion to go with an older DSLR. You'll get used to the controls and workings of them, start working on a lens collection, and even with a lower level lens you'll get better shots than most point & shoots in that price range.

gryffinwings · Jun 28, 2012

IIRC, the Nikon d40 was one of the smallest DSLRs Nikon made, do you want a camera that is small or do you want more controls, the D100 has the same sensor. Also I'm seeing the D100 for roughly the same price, although I saw 2 with starting bids of around 30 dollars for the D40 but that can't last. The D100 will allow you to use far more lens as well, might want to consider the in body focus motor to be able to use older cheaper lens.

YoungPhotoGirl · Jun 29, 2012

CaptainClick said:
Why I want to start photography: I always see things that amaze me that other people don't notice or take for granted. My favourites are when I'm sitting waiting on someone, the people passing or sitting near by all give a single moment that's a story into their lives.Anyway I'm wanting to start photography but I'm a student and my budget isn't the biggest. Maybe about £150 ($250). I'm guessing I'll start on a P&S, preferably one with manual settings for later. Any recommendations?

You NEED a camera that can shoot in manual thats the biggest thing.
But I only shoot with the cheap D3100 and I run a VERY successful business.
Maybe buy a second hand one for a start.
Its about how you use your gear, but it HAS to be manual.
My website: Karissa Best Photography